Original Research - Special Collection: Africa Platform for NT Scholars

Divorce amongst Christian couples in Yoruba land: Challenges and implications

Favour Uroko, Solomon I. Enobong
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies | Vol 78, No 3 | a7562 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v78i3.7562 | © 2022 Favour Uroko, Solomon I. Enobong | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 26 March 2022 | Published: 08 July 2022

About the author(s)

Favour Uroko, Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of New Testament and Related Literature, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Solomon I. Enobong, Department of Religion and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; Department of New Testament and Related Literature, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

Divorce amongst married couples is a disturbing phenomenon amongst the Yoruba people of southern Nigeria. Unfortunately, the church in Yoruba land, which has focused much of its teachings on financial prosperity, has started facing the consequences of these lopsided teachings. Using a phenomenological approach, this study argues that the lack of sexual satisfaction (such as sexual starvation), poverty, activities of fake pastors, infidelity and lies from any of the partners are the major causes of increasing divorce rates amongst Yoruba Christians. Existing literature has not adequately addressed the issue of divorce amongst Yoruba Christians. This study explores the growing divorce rates from the lens of Yoruba Christians and how it impacts on the family, children and the church at large. As part of this recommendation, church leadership should start organising marriage seminars for married couples where they are taught a nonviolent approach to conflict resolution in the family.

Contribution: This study indicates that the activities of some churches and their leaders indirectly support divorce, and the consequence is mostly felt by the children. This study argues that divorce is not supported by the church in Yoruba land. The study implicated practical theology.


Keywords

the Church; divorce; Christianity; Yoruba marriage; couples; poverty; infidelity; Nigeria

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